The employment rate for those aged from 16 to 64 for January to March 2013 was 71.4%, down 0.2 percentage points from October to December 2012. There were 29.71 million people in employment aged 16 and over, down 43,000 from October to December 2012.

The unemployment rate for January to March 2013 was 7.8% of the economically active population, up 0.1 percentage points from October to December 2012. There were 2.52 million unemployed people, up 15,000 from October to December 2012.

The inactivity rate for those aged from 16 to 64 for January to March 2013 was 22.4%, up 0.1 percentage points from October to December 2012. There were 9.00 million economically inactive people aged from 16 to 64, up 47,000 from October to December 2012.

Between January to March 2012 and January to March 2013 total pay rose by 0.4% (the lowest growth rate since March to May 2009) and regular pay rose by 0.8% (the lowest growth rate since comparable records began in 2001).

Responding to the latest figures, John Salt, Website Director at totaljobs.com, said economic indicators continued to be mixed, and the UK “continues to bump along the bottom – with few jobs being created – and we’re far too susceptible to small shocks”.

“The government will argue that the recovery is a marathon not a sprint but, in either case, we are barely off the start line,” he added.

We will have more detailed reaction later today on Left Foot Forward.

One Response to “Unemployment up 15,000 to 2.52 million”

Interesting figures, in the current economic climate it is so difficult to find a job. A lot of people find it difficult when looking for a job so it is important to do as much as you can to get the job you want. Never be afraid to ask for help from recruitment consultants, they are there to help or your friends, there are people to support you in your search.